Park continues Lexington's revitalization of Erlanger area

Published: Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, October 25, 2013 at 4:50 p.m.

Parks play an important role in the quality of life for a community. Lexington is no different, and the dedication of a new park and walking trail at Erlanger Park Circle brings cause for celebration for several reasons. One, it offers a new recreational and leisure option for residents. Two, it continues the revitalization of the Erlanger area. And three, it replaces an apartment complex that was the site of several crimes, including drug activity.

Mayor Newell Clark often says that Lexington must build on its heritage even as it positions itself for the future. Erlanger certainly fulfills that vision. The area once held a thriving cotton mill and community that included a church and YMCA. Those days are long gone, but Lexington has focused on sprucing up the area in recent years. The process takes time — work actually began in 2007 on the effort that would eventually produce the park — and money, most of which came from state and federal grants. But the results are certainly positive, and those who don't live in Erlanger should visit the park and walking trail and see just how much the area has improved.

Preliminary work will commence on the site for a new high school in northern Davidson County after the board of commissioners approved an agreement with the county school system Tuesday. The system will contribute $4.5 million for design and rough grading work, and the county will put in $500,000. The school is estimated to cost $45 million, and commissioners must still determine how to pay for it. But when dirt begins being turned, that puts on some pressure to figure out the funding mechanism so the school will become a reality and relieve overcrowding at North Davidson and Ledford high schools.

An unfortunate aspect of both the economic downturn and mandated curriculum is the reduction in field trips for students. Welcome Elementary School deserves credit for finding a way to offer the excitement of a field trip at a reduced cost and time commitment. The school hosted Boone Gemstone Mining from Clemmons Wednesday, and fourth-graders searched for and learned about gemstone and fossil mining without leaving campus. Such innovative ways of thinking will continue to be necessary to provide stimulating learning opportunities that often capture students' attention more than information learned from a textbook.

The impact Gregg Stabler had on Davidson Water received a tangible expression when the board of directors decided to name its new water treatment plant in western Davidson County for him. Stabler recently retired after spending 42 years with the utility, the last 26 as general manager. Davidson Water serves 140,000 in three counties. While having a water treatment plant named after you might seem an odd honor, it's certainly appropriate in this case in recognition of Stabler's stewardship.

<p>Parks play an important role in the quality of life for a community. Lexington is no different, and the dedication of a new park and walking trail at Erlanger Park Circle brings cause for celebration for several reasons. One, it offers a new recreational and leisure option for residents. Two, it continues the revitalization of the Erlanger area. And three, it replaces an apartment complex that was the site of several crimes, including drug activity.</p><p>Mayor Newell Clark often says that Lexington must build on its heritage even as it positions itself for the future. Erlanger certainly fulfills that vision. The area once held a thriving cotton mill and community that included a church and YMCA. Those days are long gone, but Lexington has focused on sprucing up the area in recent years. The process takes time — work actually began in 2007 on the effort that would eventually produce the park — and money, most of which came from state and federal grants. But the results are certainly positive, and those who don't live in Erlanger should visit the park and walking trail and see just how much the area has improved.</p><p>Preliminary work will commence on the site for a <B>new high school </B>in northern Davidson County after the board of commissioners approved an agreement with the county school system Tuesday. The system will contribute $4.5 million for design and rough grading work, and the county will put in $500,000. The school is estimated to cost $45 million, and commissioners must still determine how to pay for it. But when dirt begins being turned, that puts on some pressure to figure out the funding mechanism so the school will become a reality and relieve overcrowding at North Davidson and Ledford high schools.</p><p>An unfortunate aspect of both the economic downturn and mandated curriculum is the <B>reduction in field trips </B>for students. Welcome Elementary School deserves credit for finding a way to offer the excitement of a field trip at a reduced cost and time commitment. The school hosted Boone Gemstone Mining from Clemmons Wednesday, and fourth-graders searched for and learned about gemstone and fossil mining without leaving campus. Such innovative ways of thinking will continue to be necessary to provide stimulating learning opportunities that often capture students' attention more than information learned from a textbook.</p><p>The impact <B>Gregg Stabler </B>had on Davidson Water received a tangible expression when the board of directors decided to name its new water treatment plant in western Davidson County for him. Stabler recently retired after spending 42 years with the utility, the last 26 as general manager. Davidson Water serves 140,000 in three counties. While having a water treatment plant named after you might seem an odd honor, it's certainly appropriate in this case in recognition of Stabler's stewardship.</p>